Our Family: 2016

 Family pictures are my favorite. They never turn out perfect and usually someone is grumpy (this time it was Grant who had just woken up from a nap and refused to smile or listen or sit by his siblings), but that's okay. I love capturing this little moment and seeing how our family has changed and grown since last year.

Until We Meet Again, Grandma

 My Grandmother, Ruth Anna Gorman Smith, passed away on December 7, 2016 at the age of 90 at her home in Arkansas. She lived a wonderful and full life with grandfather who was her sweetheart from the age of 14. They surivived WWII together, had just one child--my dad, and when they retired, they moved from their home in Deleware to the Ozark mountains where they bought property and built (literally) their dream retirement home where they could enjoy the views, garden, and birdwatch.

Grandma loved everyone. When you called, she'd answer the phone with a 'Why hello there" having no idea who was on the other end. When she talked to you, you felt like you were special and her favorite person. She didn't laugh, she giggled like a school girl--even still at 90 years old. He eyes held a twinkle and she'd often wink at you, like you were sharing some kind of special secret only she knew.

Grandma loved color. Her flower gardens were full of thousands (literally) of flowers, some she had to plant year after year) with paths running between the rows. As a little girl, I thought her garden was so magical and loved to roam the paths and imagine fairies living there. Each bedroom and bathroom in her house was a different color (green, pink, blue) and each had a matching colored box of kleenexes in it. I thought those colored kleenexes made the perfect barbie dresses for my dolls.

My grandmother was an example of hardwork and persistance. I knew from stories of her past career that she was well loved by all she worked with. She was a farm girl from just outside Philadelphia and that habit of working hard stayed with her until the end. She diligently did exercises each morning.

My grandparents were always holding hands and hated to be apart. My grandfather passed away almost 20 years ago and I know she missed him terribly. My heart is happy to think they are reunited again.

I was able to visit with my grandma for the last time in the summer of 2015. I flew down to Arkansas to spend time with her and my dad with Grant when he was about 9 months old. In my heart, I knew it would probably be the last time I'd see her on this earth. I will always cherish the time I spent with her in her home.

I was not able to attend the funeral in Arkansas, so on the morning of her funeral Blake and I did a temple session. The session was busy and there were a few distractions, so it wasn't quite as peaceful as I hoped it would be. At the end of the session, I passed through to the Celestial Room. There was a high window in the room through which a bright stream of sunlight was streaming through, making the already bright room appear even more white and beautiful. I was overcome with this feeling of peace and happiness. I knew that my grandmother was so happy to be in such a beautiful place. Being in  with my grandfather, with a perfect body free from her limitations she suffered these last few months, and with perfect eyesight, was exactly where she wanted to be.

Kind of neat to add that as the funeral was being held, we got word that our brother Ben's secondchild was born! (he and his wife obviously didn't attend the funeral) It seemed fitting that a new Smith was added to the clan on this day.

 My brothers: Jared and Stephen

 Jared and Stephen with my sister Nicole

My siblings with our dad

My heart has been so full this Christmas season as I reflect on Christ's birth and what his birth meant for all mankind. His birth, life, example, death, and resurrection mean that when loved ones leave us, it is not goodbye forever, but only for a little while. Having Blake's father recently pass and now my grandmother, it has really put things in perspective for me and helped me to renew my faith of what's to come after this life. There is so much more waiting for us on the other side. I am grateful for my Savior for giving me the gift of knowing that I will see my loved ones again.

Brooke's 8th Birthday

This year for Brooke's birthday, since eight is such a big milestone, we booked a party room at our rec center.

 We chose the option to have a blow up obstacle course and to climb the rock wall. The girls had a blast racing each other and playing tag.

 Grant and Porter had a good time too.

 We took a break to open presents and eat cake and ice cream.

 Then it was time to climb the rock wall!

 Some of the girls, who had never climbed before, made it all the way to the top. I was so impressed! Some of the others, like Brooke, made it part way up the wall and got scared. I was proud of all the girls for at least trying it!.

Happy Birthday, Brooke! You have grown up so much lately! You are so loving and kind and helpful. You read to your brothers, love to write notes to others, love to sing and dance and be social. You follow after your mom in that you talk too much at at school, and we love to see that you have lots of different friends. You are starting to gain your own testimony of the gospel and love to discuss gospel principles. You also enjoy teaching the lesson during Family Home Evening and reading the Book of Mormon. She'll be baptized on January 7 and we are all looking forward to that.

December Festivities

 Blake decided our backyard trees needed trimming and rented a lift to reach the very tops of them. It was a super cold day, so Blake only trimmed a few of them before deciding he'd try again in the spring.

 The kids have been enjoying the Christmas tree and helping me decorate around the house. This has been a really fun year to see all the excitement and magic of Christmas through their eyes.

 Porter's preschool teacher invited all the kids and their families to her home to visit with Santa. The kids had so much fun! Porter and Brooke both wrote lists to give him. Brooke's said she wanted a sled, some clothes, and some batteries. When I asked her "Why batteries?" she said "just in case you need some then you can ask me and I'll have them."

 Porter asked for a remote control truck and some new clothes. Porter chose his own nice shirt to wear to see Santa and wanted to comb his hair so he'd look nice. He also asked Santa if he was on the naughty or nice list. Santa said nice, but he still needed to obey his parents.

 Grant didn't say much, but he wasn't scared of Santa like he was last year. He sat quietly on his lap until his turn was over. You can ask Grant "What does Santa say?" and he'll say "Ho ho ho!"

 We finally got a little snowfall! The kids were beyond excited to play outside and wanted to go out right after breakfast.

 Santa came to storytime at the library.

Brooke got to go to her first activity days event with the other 8-9 year old girls from our church. It was a mother/daughter activity where we made gingerbread houses and then sang carols at the Beehive Home.

 My mom came to visit for Brooke's birthday. The night of the 16th was our ward's Christmas party. It was a "Back to Bethlehem" theme so I made little outfits for the kids and I to wear. Blake met us at the party straight from work.

Porter made a gingerbread  house at preschool.

At his preschool Christmas party one of the activities was stacking cups.

And then he made this cute hat.

 Wrestling with dad is an every evening occurance at our house! It usually starts by Porter saying "Dad, I'm ready to get my butt kicked."

 Grant makes it so hard to exercise at home! He will come sit right by me and copy whatever move I am doing. It's so cute and hard to actually exercise because I just want to watch him.